AT least one man was injured and five people arrested after football fans clashed with police ahead of a fiery derby showdown in Andalucia.
Dramatic footage captures riot police wrestling a 31-year-old Almeria supporter to the ground as furious onlookers shout and protest.
In one tense moment, another fan appears to try to pull the detained man free, only to be struck on the leg with a police baton.
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The chaotic scenes unfolded on Sunday outside Almeria’s Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos, just before the home side faced regional rivals Malaga in a 9pm kick-off.
Reports suggest tensions boiled over when large groups of opposing supporters gathered around the stadium, particularly near the Fondo Sur roundabout as team buses arrived, sparking confrontation between rival ultras.
Witnesses say what began as verbal taunts quickly escalated into violence, with bottles and other objects hurled as riot police moved in to contain the disorder.
Riot police, deployed in advance amid warnings the match was ‘high-risk’, moved in to regain control.
Five people were arrested including the injured man, who was taken to Torrecardenas University Hospital with what authorities described as minor injuries after he reportedly lost consciousness during the clash.
UD Almeria edged a dramatic 3–2 win over Malaga in a derby that sprang to life after the break, following a goalless first half.
Adri Embarba struck twice to put the hosts in control, but Malaga hit back through Adrian Niño and Haitam to level the contest at 2–2.
With the game heading for a draw, Leo Baptistao headed home a stoppage-time winner to seal victory for Almeria and cap a chaotic night.
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